pursuing a doctorate, maintaining sanity, and raising a family

The Washington Post recently ran a very interesting article about how quickly and quietly the Common Core was adopted in nearly all 50 states. There has been recent sharp criticism directed at Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation he and his wife operate, charging them with political motivation behind their funding of the Common Core. Microsoft could greatly benefit if software programs are adopted to help implement Common Core principles. Gates vehemently defends the altruism and necessity of funding education in the U.S.

Criticism of Gates and Common Core is coming from both sides of the aisle. The debate about this latest form of major education reform in the U.S. is a reminder that all education policy issues will face criticism no matter what. Education is a political topic that affects all Americans, no matter race, religion, or economic background. One may choose to opt out of a debate, but the policies adopted by the Federal Government, or in the case of Common Core, by the States themselves, will affect U.S. citizens, whether it is as a student in the school system (public or private), as a parent, as a teacher or administrator, or as a tax payer. Personally, I believe we have to say YES to education reform when we are given the option. We can mold and bend the policies to best accommodate our schools and classrooms, but we must embrace change that can potentially benefit the most important factor in the equation: students.

So, I am moving to a new city (Portland, Oregon)…to a new country, actually (the United States of America), and I need to find a new Day Care for my two-year-old daughter. I am slowly becoming aware of the nightmare of this seemingly simple pursuit. Little did I know that child care in the United States comes at a great cost, both the money out of your pocket and the time and stress of finding availability. Anyone looking for an entrepreneurial cash flow should open a day care in the U.S. You will make bank from desperate parents.

I must keep in mind that I am comparing my U.S. experience to the experience I have had while living in Panama. Panama is a country full of contrasts. Grocery shopping, eating at a nice restaurant, and luxury travel all cost as much or more than you would find in the U.S. Other things, such as day care, cost much, much less. I pay $154 per month for 3 mornings of day care per week. In the U.S., the cost of 3 half days is at least $400 per month. Most places only offer full-day rates, which range from $700-$1200 per month. Wait lists are common and seemingly endless with priorities going to those with siblings already attending. A friend of mine put her unborn baby on a wait list as soon as she found out she was pregnant (7 weeks gestation). She was already #12 on the waiting list for the 3 month window near her due date. She asked how was this possible, since she was finding out about as early as possible. She was told that couples doing fertility treatments such as IVF had already been placed on the waiting list.

Waiting lists aside, I realize that day cares in the U.S. also tout a particular philosophy of learning, whether it be Montessori (constructivist model, student directed learning), Waldorf (humanistic, hands-on creative play), or Reggio Emilia (children control learning, learn through senses). Honestly, it seems that at the young age of two, kids will not realize much of a difference when these philosophies are put into practice. However, I do see the value in having a guide for the school to follow when creating curriculum, activities, and discipline practices.

My daughter’s day care in Panama does not follow any particular philosophy of education, nor does it abide by any student/teacher ratio regulations that are law in the U.S. Currently, there are 19 students age 1.5 – 3 years of age, and two teachers. Assuming my daughter will actually be able to attend one of the day cares in which she is wait-listed in the U.S., the ratio will be 4 or 5 students to one teacher. I know she will thrive in this small group environment, and I am certain she will enjoy the local organic snacks provided by Portland farmers (a common advertisement on Portland day care websites). She will quickly adjust to life as an American and forget the beautiful chaos of being in day care in Panama.

About Me

Like so many women today, I wear many hats. I am a wife and mother, a daughter, sister, and friend. I am a teacher and now, at age 33, a Doctoral student. I am a candidate for Doctor of Education at the University of Portland. My EdD is a 2-3 year program in which I have a Fellowship that covers my tuition in exchange for part-time work in P-12 schools. The intention of this blog is to provide a forum for discussion of Education topics and provide a network of support for Doctor of Education students. I hope it encourages others while also encouraging me to persevere through the ups and downs, walking away with a degree in hand: La Doctora.